castles

Castles

Nagoya Castle

Buildings were not generally common on cups. However, castles were,
probably because they not only represent Japan and Japanese culture, but
they were often used for military purposes during the 1930s and 40s. Of
course, they were originally built for defensive purposes as well.

Many of the castles on cups and bottles are named. Most commonly found
in Himeji Castle, probably because it is not only one of the 'Three Famous
Castles' in Japan but also the most visited. (The other two Famous Castles
are Matsumoto and Kumamoto Castles.)

Nagoya Castle was used as an Army headquarters during the war, so it
was appropriate as a military symbol.

Monuments are found here and there, but they are uncommon. The one
most often found is the War Dead monument built in Manchuria, which not
only evoked the memory of others who died for Japan but also the area in
Manchuria.

Unidentified castle

Himeji Castle

Unidentified castle

Oftentimes castles were used as a
general motif since they were
commonly associated with Japan
itself. These castles were not named
on the cup. The cup to the right here
not only has a huge castle taking up
most of the pattern, but it also has
artillery and limber.